LETTER: We all 'deal with' Brayton Point pollution

As protesters marched calling for the closing of Brayton Point’s coal-fired power plant, the comments of locals were appropriate but besides the point. They said the police detail would cost the town money, the plant closing would cost the town real estate taxes, and the closing would raise electricity prices. In addition to the monetary aspects, residents added, “We deal with the plant.”

The Herald News, Fall River, MA

Writer

Posted Aug. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM

Posted Aug. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM

» Social News

As protesters marched calling for the closing of Brayton Point’s coal-fired power plant, the comments of locals were appropriate but besides the point. They said the police detail would cost the town money, the plant closing would cost the town real estate taxes, and the closing would raise electricity prices. In addition to the monetary aspects, residents added, “We deal with the plant.”

This plant may be the “cleanest of its kind,” and may comply with current regulations, but it certainly is not emissions-free and will not comply with future regulations the president promised to issue. Why should we wait for future regulations? We all understand the plant adds to climate change. As George Bailey says in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Wait! Wait for what?” Until our children are grown up and face climate problems they can’t fix? Wait until Boston is submerged?

The moral lesson is it is nice to enjoy getting a bargain on real estate taxes and electricity prices, but not when it costs other people money and not when it puts the next generation at risk. Then it is selfish and immoral.